Lechler, Inc., a subsidiary of Germany-based Lechler GmbH and one of the world's largest precision spray nozzle manufacturers, has launched a U.S. agricultural division. The company's newest model IDK nozzles were introduced at last month's National Farm Machinery Show, in Louisville.

The IDK, a compact, air induction design, operates in a range of 15 to 90 psi. “It's a shorter version of our ID air injection design, and offers the same or better drift reduction as the Turbo Teejet,” says Mark Casey, ag division manager. Lechler's venturi-type ID nozzle, longer than the IDK, offers significantly better drift protection, and has been sold for several years in Europe.

“We saw a lot of interest at Louisville. Custom applicators will like the way the IDK tips adjust to quick pressure fluctuations as they cross a field. Our tests show fewer fog bursts of fine droplets and therefore more drift protection,” Casey says. “We were surprised by the number of farmers who still spray herbicides with extended- range nozzle tips that offer little in drift reduction.”

Next year, Lechler will introduce a ceramic version of the nozzle. Casey says ceramics last 10 times or more longer than typical plastic or stainless nozzles, or about 2,000 hours of spraying typical solutions.

“Some applicators think ceramics are only for high-pressure or highly corrosive materials, and tend to break easily. Fact is, ceramics are a cost-effective way to extend nozzle life and lower the overall cost in any spraying situation, and are harder to damage than ceramics introduced a decade ago,” says Casey. “Nozzles are typically used longer than they should be for precision application. And, when a nozzle shows a 20 percent wear, you'll get a 50 percent degradation of spray quality and distribution pattern.”

The company also markets a line of ceramic air induction hollow cones for orchard and vineyard spraying, and applications where spray penetration of a crop canopy is crucial. “We were surprised at the interest shown in this type of nozzle by Midwestern applicators at the show,” Casey reports.

Lechler's Vario Select system is also being marketed this year to U.S. sprayer manufacturers. It allows in-cab on-off control of single nozzles or multiple nozzles at any boom location, as well as complete computer control when used with sensors or field maps and GPS.

The IDK models will be available in mid- to late March through the firm's St. Charles location, and from selected dealers and distributors. List price for the IDK tip is $3.99; the ID version ranges from $5.79 for polymers to $9.99 for ceramics. For more information on the nozzles or on becoming a dealer or distributor, contact Lechler, Inc., Agricultural Products Division, Dept. Apply*, 445 Kautz Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174, 630/845-6851, www.lechlerag.com or e-mail markcasey@lechlerusa.com.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2007 Penton Media, Inc.